ON THE COMPETENCES OF THE SHIPMASTER OF THE POLISH SEAGOING VESSEL IN TERMS OF THE PREVENTION OF FATAL ACCIDENTS OF SEAFARERS ON BOARD AND THE ACTIONS TAKEN IN THE CASE OF DEATH

Abstract

The subject of the article is a legal analysis of the actions taken by the master of a Polish sea- going ship in terms of preventing fatal accidents among the crew members, as well as in the case of a death on board. This analysis was based on, among others, the Maritime Code and the act on maritime labour, which provide the basis for considerations of the complicated legal status and practice of the shipmaster, especially in an emergency. Numerous laws and other legal acts authorise and oblige the shipmaster to make efforts for the benefit of crew members. Protecting the life and health of seafarers is one of the most important goals for the master of each ship. Regardless, the shipmaster has many other responsibilities, among which the author empha- sises those related to a death on board, including the notification of the consul or registry office about it; in specific cases, arranging a burial at sea of a person who died on board; or acting as a witness for preparing a special testament.

Keywords

• ship
• crew
• shipmaster
• law
• death